Real Estate Blog of Benjamin Esposito

Did you know there are home upgrades that may wind up costing you more than they are worth? That’s right, and these are home improvement projects you’ll want to avoid at all costs.

Some of the most common high-cost, low-return home improvement projects for home sellers include:

1. Installing an in-ground swimming pool.

When it comes to installing swimming pools, the fantasy usually is better than the reality.

Ideally, you should be able to install an in-ground swimming pool in your backyard quickly and enjoy it for an extended period of time. But when it comes time to complete the project, you may end up committing thousands of dollars and dozens of man-hours to a project that may add minimal value to your home.

Consider the costs and timeline associated with an in-ground swimming pool installation before you commit to this project. By doing so, you can determine how much this project will impact your home’s value both now and in the future and decide whether the return on investment (ROI) meets your needs.

2. Adding a backup power generator.

Homeowners often try to err on the side of caution, and for good reason. However, a backup generator may prove to be costly, especially when there are viable, cost-effective alternatives at your disposal.

A power outage may seem like the end of the world when it happens, but in most cases, it is only temporary. And those who have flashlights, lanterns and other emergency supplies will be better equipped to stay safe during a power outage.

Remember, a backup generator may seem like a great idea at first, but you should consider its short- and long-term value. Those who explore the alternatives that are available, meanwhile, may find it is more cost-effective to invest in other home improvement projects.

3. Installing new windows.

The latest windows are incredibly energy-efficient, making them exceedingly valuable for homeowners who want to cut their energy bills for years to come.

Comparatively, home sellers may fail to reap the benefits of these windows, especially if they hope to find a buyer for their residence in the immediate future.

New windows may cost thousands of dollars to install, so you’ll want to look at the ROI of new windows before you find a contractor to complete the project. And if you discover the upfront costs outweigh the long-term savings of a home you’ll soon be selling, it may be better to avoid installing new windows for the time being.

As a home seller, you’ll want to do everything you can to highlight the true value of your home, and choosing a reliable real estate agent can help you do just that.

A qualified real estate agent possesses the experience and understanding of the real estate market. As such, this professional can help you decide which home improvement projects are priorities and which tasks can be put on the backburner.

Find a top-rated real estate professional to help you sell your home, and you can benefit from the support of a real estate expert who can guide you along the home selling process.

For home sellers, you won’t necessarily need a bold, beautiful bathroom to improve your chances of a quick sale. However, you should try to improve the quality of your bathroom as much as possible before you add your home to the real estate market.

In a highly competitive real estate market, homebuyers will look for any reason not to buy your home. On the other hand, home sellers who offer a residence with an exceptional bathroom can reduce the risk of alienating homebuyers. Furthermore, home sellers may be able to transform a subpar bathroom into an outstanding feature if they devote time and resources to make bathroom improvements.

You don’t need to spend a lot to make significant bathroom improvements, either. In fact, here are three simple, affordable bathroom improvements that every home seller needs to know about:

1. Painting the walls

If the paint on your bathroom walls is fading or peeling, it may be time for a new paint job. Fortunately, you usually can pick up low-cost paint supplies at any hardware store quickly and easily.

Although hiring professional painters also is an option, you may be able to paint your bathroom walls yourself to save money. Remember, your bathroom likely is smaller than other rooms in your house, which means a new paint job won’t necessarily require a significant time and resource investment.

2. Updating bathroom fixtures

The little details can make all the difference in the eyes of a homebuyer. And home sellers who update bathroom fixtures can boost their bathroom’s chances of making a great impression on homebuyers during a home showing.

Drawer pulls, towel racks and other bathroom fixtures often are simple to update in just minutes. In addition, these bathroom improvements require minimal time and money, ensuring you’ll be able to complete bathroom fixture improvement projects to enhance your bathroom’s appearance without delay.

3. Adding caulk and grout

Bathroom caulk and grout details may be overlooked by many home sellers, but those who want their homes to stand out in a competitive marketplace should consider adding straight, clean lines of caulk and grout.

Placing new lines of caulk and grout around a bathtub and sink can help these pieces sparkle. Ultimately, caulk and grout improvements are fast and effective too, making them valuable options for home sellers.

It is important to note that improving the quality of a home’s bathroom rarely, if ever, requires a full-blown overhaul. Instead, focus on making minor improvements over an extended period of time. And, of course, be sure to keep your bathroom looking pristine – that way, if a homebuyer wants to view your residence, your home’s bathroom will stand out for all the right reasons.

Bathroom improvements offer superb options for home sellers who want to transform a good residence into a must-buy. These improvements typically won’t require substantial time and resources, but they can serve as key difference-makers that will help set your home apart from others on the real estate market.

Take advantage of bathroom improvements, and you’ll be better equipped to improve the overall quality of your residence.

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to add value to your home without breaking the bank? Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just making some home improvements for your own enjoyment, it isn’t that difficult. There is an old saying that kitchens and baths sell homes so these tips focus on those two rooms.

Here are some good strategies to help you started:

The kitchen

For just a few hundred dollars:

-Replace the kitchen faucet

-Add new cabinet door handles

-Update old lighting fixtures

With a slightly larger budget:

-Give the cabinets a makeover by refacing them

-Get a facelift for your appliances buy ordering new doors or face panels for them

The bath

-Replace the toilet seat

-Add a new pedestal sink

-Replace the old bathroom floor with easy-to-apply vinyl tiles

-Re-grout the tile and replace any chipped tiles in the tub and shower

-If a new grout job won’t do, try a complete cover-up with a prefabricated tub and shower unit

Remember the actual cost of the renovation, and the value it adds to your home, depends on many factors including the real estate market value in your area.